Hippeastrum plant named ‘RUBY STAR’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Hippeastrum  interspecific hybrid plant named ‘RUBY STAR’ particularly characterized by star-shaped flower, measuring 18 cm to 20 cm in length and 14 to 17 cm in diameter, and with a unique color pattern of primarily dark red (RHS 53 B) with yellow-greenish (RHS 145 B) stripes and greyed-purple (RHS 183 B) veining.

Botanical name of the genus of the Interspecific Cross of the plant claimed: Hippeastrum Herb,. syn. Amaryllis

Variety denomination: ‘RUBY STAR’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct interspecific hybrid variety of Hippeastrum, botanically known as Hippeastrum Herb., syn. Amaryllis, of the Amaryllidaceae family, and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘RUBY STAR’. The Hippeastrum genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America and the Caribbean, and includes more than 80 different species and several hundred hybrids.

The new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ is a product of a controlled breeding program conducted by the inventors, Dorit Sandler-Ziv, Corneliu Fintea, Aurel Ion, Avner Cohen, Marina Baizerman and Ahuva Daous, in Bet-Dagan, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new Hippeastrum variety with excellent ornamental characteristics, adapted to bulb production under Israeli climatic conditions and suitable for both cut flower and pot production worldwide.

The new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ originated from a cross made by the inventors in 2000 in Bet-Dagan, Israel. The female or seed parent is the unpatented, wild-type Hippeastrum papillio designated WT30. The male or pollen parent is the unpatented, interspecific Hippeastrum hybrid designated 97/4 (H. vittatum ‘WHITE’×wild-type H. cybister designated WT40). The new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ was selected by the inventors as a single flowering plant from the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in 2003 in Bet-Dagan, Israel.

Asexual propagation of the new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ using the “twin-scaling” method (division of the mother bulb into about 12 vertical segments which are subsequently subdivided into 5 to 6 twin-scale units) was first performed in September, 2004, in Bet-Dagan, Israel. The twin-scale units are dipped for 15 minutes in 0.2% BENLATE and 0.5% MARPAN to prevent fungal infection, then the segments are air dried for 3-4 hours and placed in moist Vermiculite no. 2 (8% to 10% moisture) and incubated at 22° C. to 24° C. for 3 to 4 months. The resulting bulblets are planted in coco-peat and Tuff 0.8 (80:20%) and grown for 2 years until they flower for the first time. Of the twin scales first propagated in September, 2004, the resulting bulbs first flowered in the winter of 2007, and demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new variety is firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual propagation. The new variety propagates true-to-type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be characteristics of ‘RUBY STAR’, which in combination distinguish this Hippeastrum as a new, unique and distinct variety:

-   -   1. star-shaped flower, measuring about 18 to 20 cm in length and         about 14 to 17 cm in diameter, and with a unique color pattern         of primarily dark red (RHS 53 B) with yellow-greenish (RHS         145 B) stripes and greyed-purple (RHS 183 B) veining.

Plants of the new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ differ from plants of the female or seed parent, the unpatented, wild-type Hippeastrum papillio designated WT30, in the following characteristics described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Female Parent New Cultivar H. papillio WT30 Characteristic ‘RUBY STAR’ (unpatented) Plant Height 45 cm to 70 cm 18 cm to 24 cm Number of flowers per 4 to 5 2 to 3 inflorescence Outer tepal shape Ovate Oblanceolate Outer tepal, Upper side Red Whitish Main color Outer tepal, Upper side Dark greyed-purple Maroon red Secondary vein

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the most similar to the new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ is the Hippeastrum hybrid (leopoldii-type) ‘Red Lion’ (unpatented), and differs from the new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ in the following characteristics described in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Comparison Cultivar New Cultivar ‘Red Lion’ Characteristic ‘RUBY STAR’ (patented) Plant height 45 cm to 70 cm 38 cm to 60 cm Number of stems 1 to 3 2 to 3 per bulb per year Scape length 45 cm to 60 cm 38 cm to 50 cm Number of flowers 4 to 5 2 to 4 per inflorescence Flower Shape Star shape Rounded Flower length 18 cm to 20 cm 16 cm to 18 cm Flower Throat Covered with numerous Covered with green-white and greyed- numerous white purple hairs and yellowish hairs Outer tepal, Upper Red, RHS 53 B Red, RHS 43 A side Main color Outer tepal, Under Red with yellow-green Glossy red with short side Main color stripes greenish veins Filament Color of upper part Very light green Red Color of lower part Yellow-green Red Anther color Yellow-greenish Light yellow Fruit/Seed None Present

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new Hippeastrum variety ‘RUBY STAR’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of ‘RUBY STAR’.

FIG. 1 shows a close-up side view of a typical fully open flower of ‘RUBY STAR’.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up side view comparison of (1) a typical fully open flower of ‘RUBY STAR’ (top) to (2) a typical fully open flower of the female parent, the unpatented, wild-type Hippeastrum papillio designated WT30.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up side view comparison of (1) a typical fully open flower of ‘RUBY STAR’ (top) to (2) a typical fully open flower of the male or pollen parent, the unpatented interspecific Hippeastrum hybrid designated 97/4 (H. vittatum ‘WHITE’×wild-type H. cybister designated WT40).

FIG. 4 shows a close-up side view comparison of (1) a typical fully open flower of ‘RUBY STAR’ (top) to (2) a typical fully open flower of the unpatented, wild-type Hippeastrum cybister (WT40) (one of the cultivars crossed to produce the male or pollen parent, the unpatented interspecific Hippeastrum hybrid designated 97/4.)

FIG. 5 shows a close-up side view comparison of (1) a typical fully open flower of ‘RUBY STAR’ (top) to (2) a typical fully open flower of the commercial cultivar Hippeastrum hybrid (leopoldii-type) ‘Red Lion’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Hippeastrum ‘RUBY STAR’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new variety may vary with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length, without any change in the genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe plants of ‘RUBY STAR’ as grown in a greenhouse in Bet-Dagan, Israel, under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

Mother bulbs of ‘RUBY STAR’ (about 28 to 30 cm in circumference) are cut into 12 vertical segments which are subsequently subdivided into 5 to 6 twin-scale units. The twin-scale units are dipped for 15 minutes in 0.2% BENLATE and 0.5% MARPAN to prevent fungal infection, then the twin-scale units are air dried for 3-4 hours and placed in moist Vermiculite no. 2 (8-10% moisture) and incubated at 22° C. to 24° C. for 3-4 months. The resulting bulblets are planted and grown in raised, heated soil beds (soil temperature maintained at an average temperature of about 20° C. to 22° C.) in coco-peat and Tuff 0.8 (80:20%) and grown for 2 years until they flower for the first time.

Plants of ‘RUBY STAR’ have been grown in an insect-proof greenhouse, covered with a permanent polycarbonate roof with movable polyethylene curtains, and under 50% shading. Drip irrigation is administered at 80-100 m3/ha and a liquid fertilize is applied of (NPK 5:3:8) 50 ppm. Plants of ‘RUBY STAR’ are grown with an average winter air temperature of about 12° C. to 25° C. during the day and about 6° C. to 12° C. during the evening and an average summer air temperature of about 22° C. to 38° C. during the day and about 18° C. to 22° C. during the evening. Plants of ‘RUBY STAR’ reach full growth about 6 to 10 weeks after planting cured bulbs. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average or a range of measurements taken from a number of plants of ‘RUBY STAR’. The measurements of any individual plant, or any group of plants, of the new variety may vary from the stated average or range.

Color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.), 1986 edition, except where general colors of ordinary significance are used. Color values were taken under daylight conditions at approximately noon in full sunlight in Bet Dagan, Israel.

All of the plants of ‘RUBY STAR’, insofar as they have been observed, have been consistent in all the characteristics described below.

The age of the ‘RUBY STAR’ plants described is about 6 to 10 weeks after planting cured bulbs season.

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical.—Hippeastrum Herb. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female or seed parent.—unpatented, wild-type Hippeastrum             papillio designated WT30.         -   Male or pollen parent.—unpatented, interspecific Hippeastrum             hybrid designated 97/4 (H. vittatum ‘WHITE’×wild-type H.             cybister designated WT40). -   Propagation:     -   -   Type.—“Twin-scaling” method (division of the mother bulb             into vertical segments and twin-scale units). -   Roots:     -   -   Habit and description.—Fleshy; inserted around basal plate             of bulb.         -   Length.—up to 20 cm.         -   Diameter.—2 mm to 4 mm.         -   Color.—off-white, RHS 158 C. -   Plant:     -   -   Appearance.—perennial, herbaceous; 1-3 scapes developing             sequentially with a complement of 5 to 8 leaves.         -   Growth habit.—erect.         -   Habit.—leaves are slightly arching and scapes vertical.         -   Vigor.—strong.         -   Growth time.—following asexual propagation, 2 years of             growing time are required to produce a flowering plant.             Plants of ‘RUBY STAR’ reach full growth about 6 to 10 weeks             after planting of cured bulbs in late autumn.         -   Size at maturity.—Height: 45 to 70 cm. Spread: 50 to 60 cm. -   Bulb (described after harvest and curing, before planting):     -   -   Overall shape.—spherical.         -   Shape in cross section.—rounded.         -   Shape in longitudinal section.—elliptical to oblate.         -   Length.—7.0 to 9.0 cm.         -   Diameter.—9.5 to 10.2 cm.         -   Surface.—irregular.         -   Color of flesh: yellow-white, closest to RHS 158 C.         -   Color of dry scale: greyed-orange, RHS 165 B.         -   Harvest time of bulbs.—beginning of August in Bet-Dagan,             Israel. Lifted bulbs are dipped for 15-20 minutes in 0.2%             BENLET and 0.5% MARPAN solution and then air dried for 10             days.         -   Storage time.—stored in 9° C. from mid August until mid             November (10-12 weeks) in Bet-Dagan, Israel. -   Leaves:     -   -   Arrangement and attachment.—basal from scale; single.         -   Number per plant.—typically 5 to 8.         -   Overall shape of leaf.—linear.         -   Apex shape.—acute.         -   Base shape.—parallel.         -   Shape of cross-section.—V-shape.         -   Margin.—entire.         -   Margin undulation.—none.         -   Upper surface.—smooth, medium glossiness. Lower surface:             glabrous, very strong glossiness.         -   Pubescence.—none.         -   Mature leaf length.—55 to 65 cm.         -   Mature leaf width.—70 to 80 mm.         -   Mature leaf color of upper surface.—dark green, RHS 137 B;         -   Mature leaf color of lower surface.—dark green, RHS 137 C.         -   Venation.—pattern: parallel, inconspicuous venation. -   Inflorescence description:     -   -   Appearance.—one umbel per scape with 4 or 5 single,             star-shaped flowers that open sequentially.         -   Natural blooming period.—in spring in Bet-Dagan, Israel.         -   Flowering response time.—after planting cured bulb, plants             typically flower within about 6 to 10 weeks.         -   Flowering longevity on the plant.—8 to 12 days, depending on             temperature.         -   Flowering longevity as cut flower.—6 to 9 days.         -   Inflorescence fragrance.—none.         -   Inflorescence type.—umbel.         -   Umbel.—height: 15 to 20 cm. Umbel diameter: 20 to 23 cm.         -   Number of flower buds and flowers per umbel.—4,5 or 6. -   Flower bud:     -   -   Shape.—broad elliptic.         -   Length.—8 to 10 cm.         -   Width.—about 3 cm.         -   Texture.—smooth.         -   Color of outer side of bract: ground color, yellow-green,             between RHS 145 A and RHS 145 B, changing towards opening of             the flower into greyed-purple, RHS 185 A.         -   Color of inner side of bract: ground color, greyed-purple,             RHS 185 A with yellow-green central veins, between RHS 145 A             and RHS 145 B. -   Scape:     -   -   Appearance.—erect, leafless, hollow.         -   Strength.—strong.         -   Twisting.—slightly twisted towards umbel.         -   Shape in cross-section.—elliptical.         -   Length.—45 to 60 cm.         -   Maximum thickness of upper part.—24 to 26 mm.         -   Maximum thickness of middle part.—26 to 29 mm.         -   Maximum thickness of basal part.—34 to 35 mm.         -   Surface.—glabrous.         -   Glaucosity.—strong.         -   Color.—dark green, RHS 137 C.         -   Intensity of anthocyanin coloration at base.—medium. -   Flower:     -   -   Rate of opening.—flowers fully opened about 2 to 3 days             after beginning of tepal separation; all flowers, per umbel,             open in about 8 to 14 days.         -   Attitude.—slightly outwards. Shape: star-shaped. Length: 18             to 20 cm. Diameter: 14 to 17 cm. Throat: covered with             numerous green-white, RHS 157 D, and greyed-purple, RHS 185             B, hairs.         -   Tepals.—Number and arrangement: slightly overlapping and             arranged in an outer whorl of 3 tepals and an inner whorl of             3 tepals. Outer tepals: Overall shape: ovate. Apex: acute             with slight twisting of tip. Base: acute. Margin: entire             with medium strong undulation. Length: 10 to 13 cm. Width:             50 to 60 mm. Upper surface: smooth; Lower surface: smooth.             Main color of upper surface: red, RHS 53 B. Color of middle             zone of upper surface: yellow-green, RHS 145 A; Color of             veins of upper surface: dark greyed-purple, RHS 185 A. Main             color of lower surface: red, RHS 53 B, with yellow-green             stripes, RHS 145 B. Color of middle zone of lower surface:             dark greyed-purple, RHS 183 B. Inner stepal: Arrangement:             one central lower tepal and two lateral tepals. Central             tepal: Shape: elliptical. Apex: acute. Base: acute. Margin:             entire with weak undulation. Length: 10 to 11 cm. Width: 28             to 30 mm. Upper surface: smooth; Lower surface: smooth. Main             color of upper surface: red, between RHS 53 B and RHS 53 C.             Color of middle zone of upper surface: yellow-green, between             RHS 145 B and RHS 145 C. Color of veins of upper surface:             dark greyed-purple, RHS 185 B. Main color of lower surface:             very light yellow-green, RHS 154 D. Color of middle zone of             lower surface: dark greyed-purple, RHS 184 B. Color of veins             of lower surface: very light yellow-green, RHS 154 D, and             light red, RHS 53 D. Lateral tepals: Shape: ovate. Apex:             acute with slight twisting of tip. Base: almost right angle.             Margin: entire with medium strong undulation. Length: 9 to             11 cm. Width: 40 to 45 mm. Upper surface: smooth. Lower             surface: smooth. Main color of upper surface: red, RHS 53 B.             Color of middle zone of upper surface: basal part,             yellow-green, RHS 145 B, and apical part, dark             greyed-purple, RHS 185 A. Color of veins of upper surface:             dark greyed-purple, RHS 185 A. Main color of lower surface:             red, RHS 53 B, and yellow-green stripes, RHS 145 B. Color of             middle zone of lower surface: dark greyed-purple, RHS 183 B.             Color of veins of lower surface: dark greyed-purple, RHS 185             A.         -   Pedicel.—Strength: strong. Attitude of flower: semi upright.             Length: 45 to 60 mm. Thickness: 6 to 7 mm. Surface: smooth.             Color: green, with strong anthocyanin coloration. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Androecium.—Stamen: Number: 6. Arrangement: adpressed to             lowest tepal, distal ends upwardly curved. Anthers: Color:             yellow-green, RHS 150 D, in unripe stage, brown, RHS 200 A,             in ripe stage. Shape: elongated. Length: 8 to 10 mm.             Filaments: Length: 90 to 105 mm. Thickness: 2 to 3 mm. Color             of upper part: very light yellow-green, RHS 145 D. Color of             lower part: yellow-green, RHS 145 B. Pollen: Amount:             abundant. Color: yellow-green, RHS 145A.         -   Gynoecium.—One pistil, 10 to 13 mm in length. Stigma: Shape:             three-lobed. Color: very light yellow-green, RHS 145 D.             Style: Length: 10 to 13 mm. Thickness: About 2 mm. Color of             upper part: very light yellow-green, RHS 145 D, with some             anthocyanin coloration. Color of lower part: light             yellow-green, RHS 145 B. Ovary: Color: green, with strong             anthocyanin coloration. -   Fruit/seed: none. -   Disease/pest resistance: none tested or observed. 

1. A new and distinct Hippeastrum interspecific hybrid plant named ‘RUBY STAR’, as illustrated and described herein. 